Takemusu aikido kai Norwich

new blog post on our website: "The Challenge of Relaxation in Aikido Mastery". Discusses the difficulties in overcoming tension and muscular effort and provides some tips on how to develop relaxed technique.

Congratulations to Jamie 2nd kyu (absent for this pic), Rich (7th kyu), Sergey (6th kyu), Terry and Mark (3rd kyu). Gambatte mina sama!

Great post Christmas dinner at the Keram South Indian restaurant in Norwich on 17th Jan. Lovely to see so many folks including much loved previous members.

Two new blog posts on our website: "The dilemma at the heart of aikido" , and "Principles of effective self defence". Check them out. Feedback welcomed.

12th December promotions. Congratulations to:
Bailey Painter, 7th Kyu
Sergey Skorobogatov, 7th Kyu
Terry Cox, 4th Kyu
Mark Ford, 4th Kyu
Jamie Gledhill, 3rd Kyu
Vladimir Pristoupa, 2nd Dan
Andy Jenkins, 3rd Dan
Certificates on the way guys. Thank you as ever for your support and diligence, especially the folk from London.
Sorry I couldn’t indulge myself on the mat and wore “civvies”.

Two new blog posts on our website. "Is it time to revisit the traditional aikido training methods" and "Why using strength against an opponent is inefficient"

Proof that aikido has the power to transform lives regardless of age or gender.

A new start after 60: I fought off four attackers – and earned my aikido black belt Morag Warrack, 68, was so shy it took her a year to pluck up the courage to take her first aikido lesson. Now she’s giving them

Excellent turnout for Tom and Dylan's 1st Dan grading. Many thanks to you all for your support. I hope it wasn't too confusing for the more recent members!!
Congratulations for well deserved promotions not only to Tom and Dylan but also to Jamie and Terry

Post-practice birudo at a little bar on the coast at Santa Cruz. Two rounds for 18 euros (shome mishtake shurely!)

Great session with Joel and his students at Santa Cruz. Lots to think about. Joel trains in a white belt and forgoes the term sensei despite his many years of training aikido in Japan and France. He has a strong focus on flexibility and not using strength, although the finish of his movements often feel quite physical. I’m also a believer in not using strength so it was quite an eye opener to hear them describe me as very strong. On the one hand quite a compliment for someone my age, but on the other a cause for deeper reflection.